Everything you need to know and nothing you don't from ESPN's best sideline reporter and Esquire.com's season-long guest college-football expert. Also: draft picks.

Your 2012 BCS Bowls, in 5 Minutes

Your 2012 BCS Bowls, in 5 Minutes

It's kind of hard to see through the dark cloud of everything that's happened, from Ohio State to Penn State and some of the other drama we've talked about this season. But I think as those coaching situations get cleared up and we head into the big-time bowls, it's hard not to look back and see that this has been a great year for college football, and that next year could be even better with so many studs coming back. I know you can argue about getting rid of the BCS system, and that Oklahoma State should be in the national-championship game next week, but I think they got it pretty right this year. I mean, the two best teams in America are playing for it all. And all the other best teams are going to play some great football these next couple days. Really great football.

Outback Bowl: Michigan State vs. Georgia

Outback Bowl: Michigan State vs. Georgia

January 2, 1 p.m.

Michigan State's put together back-to-back 10-win seasons, and they've beat Michigan again, so this is kind of the last test in a nice run for them. Quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver B.J. Cunningham are a pretty impeccable duo, but Georgia's been on a pretty unbelievable run of its own, especially when you consider how many games they've won up against SEC defenses. Jon Gruden (at left with me and QB Aaron Murray) said here before the game that linebacker Jarvis Jones would be a first-round pick, although it looks like he's coming back — as is much of this Bulldog team, so they could be top-5 next year. But first QB Aaron Murray has to lead them in his hometown. They'll have the crowd, and they'll move quickly with their no-huddle offense — it's kind of insane, actually, but the Spartans' preparation has been, too. Should be a fun one.